Mediterranean
The classic first cruise: easy to reach, warm sea, famous ports.
First-time cruisers
Close, easy and varied. Great for families and couples alike.
Best seasonApril–October, peak in summer
Long season
Pleasant spring to autumn, hot and lively in summer. Spring and autumn mean fewer crowds.
History and beach
Ancient cities, Italian and Spanish food, turquoise coves on one trip.
7-night loops
Lots of ports, short crossings. Often departs Barcelona, Civitavecchia or Venice, many ports reachable by car.
Famous ports
Rome, Santorini, Dubrovnik, Naples, Mallorca: several countries in a week.
Caribbean
White sand, palm trees and guaranteed winter sunshine.
Sun-seekers
For beach and warmth in winter, not sightseeing.
Best seasonNovember–April, ideal in winter
Winter escape
25–30°C when it is cold back home. Hurricane season is late summer, best avoided.
Beach and unwind
Beach days, coral reefs, reggae and rum. The ship and the islands are the programme.
Fly in
Departs Miami or another US port. You fly there, so it is worth arriving a few days early to explore the city.
Island-hopping
Bahamas, Cozumel, San Juan and MSC's private island, Ocean Cay.
Northern Europe
Fjords, midnight sun and crisp, cool landscapes.
Nature lovers
For scenery and culture, not beaches. Ideal as a second or third cruise.
Best seasonMay–August, best in summer
Short summer season
Best in summer. Pack layers.
Nature and design
Breathtaking fjords, clean Scandinavian cities, fresh air.
Fjords or capitals
Norwegian fjords, or Baltic capitals (Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn). Often departs Kiel or Copenhagen.
Fjords and old towns
Geiranger, Bergen, Tallinn: waterfalls, glaciers, a different world from the Med.
North America & Alaska
Glaciers, whales and big cities from the sea.
Seasoned travellers
For something farther and special. Great for honeymoons and big trips.
Best seasonAlaska May–Sep
Summer Alaska
The Alaska season runs May to September. The East Coast and Florida sail year-round.
Wild nature
Glaciers, fjords, whales and bears, plus the contrast of big American cities.
Far, fly-cruise
You fly from Europe. Worth planning as a longer holiday, with plenty to do on land too.
Glaciers and big cities
Alaskan glaciers, or the Florida and East Coast ports (Miami, New York).
Canaries & Africa
Eternal spring in the Atlantic: sunshine even in winter.
Winter-sun seekers
For warmth in winter without flying all the way to the Caribbean.
Best seasonOctober–April, warm in winter
Winter sun
20–24°C in the Canaries even in winter. Close-to-Europe warmth, no hurricanes.
Volcanic and exotic
Volcanic landscapes, Atlantic coasts, Moroccan souks and African colour.
Winter alternative
The Med's winter counterpart. Often departs Barcelona or the islands.
Volcanic islands
Tenerife, Madeira, Casablanca: volcanic landscapes and North African ports on one trip.
